mc²96
Grand Production Console
PURE. PRECISE. PEERLESS.
With experience gathered over more than 50 years, German audio innovator Lawo is distinguished by its engineering and manufacturing of the most reliable and most advanced audio mixing consoles available. Originally developed for mobile and studio broadcast environments with zero tolerance for failure, Lawo consoles are also widely chosen for their audio quality in theater, studio and live performance applications.
With the mc²96, the mc² platform is pushed beyond limitations, culminating in a pure, unparalleled audio production tool dedicated to those who can tell the difference. Whether it’s intended to be used in broadcast, theater or recording – in each of these applications it stands out with a unique set of features. The mc²96 provides optimized performance within IP video production environments with native ST2110 support. In addition, the revolutionary LiveView™ feature enables thumbnail previews of video streams directly in the fader labeling displays.
The result is always great.
Lawo mc²96 brochure
mc²96 OVERVIEW
A__UHD Core
as simple as analog
The mc² 96 features the same legendary quality faders known from Lawo’s mc²90 series, providing extremely smooth and precise fades.
In addition to Button-Glow and colored touch-sensitive encoders, new color-TFTs allow for an even more obvious color-coding of the channel strips, resulting in enhanced visibility and faster access even in low light conditions.
INTERACTION
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE CONTROLS
The mc²96’s unique design combines large screens with a low overbridge height to provide a more ergonomic profile without compromising an engineer’s view. The console’s 21.5” full HD touch-screens work hand-in-hand with the touch-sensitive color-illuminated rotary encoders. An equalizer window will automatically pop-up when touching the equalizer encoders.
EXTENDED FREE CONTROLS
The mc²96’s extended free control section gives direct access to six parameters in addition to gain control. The result: A perfect balance between decentralized and centralized control workflows. The console allows application of both global and individual parameter assignments for the free controls of each channel strip, and each of the touch-sensitive free controls is color-coded for a comprehensive overview.
MULTI-USER OPERATION
In multi-user mode, 96 rotary encoders in each 16-fader bay give direct access to all parameters to create an additional central control panel. Color coding of encoders coupled with the high-res color TFTs guarantees a perfect overview. Users can create, save and recall multiple personalized free control layouts directly in their own bay.
FEATURES
Being an IP-native device based on A__line UHD Core, the mc² 96 includes Lawo’s IP Easy functionality which makes configuring IP setups as simple as analog. The system automatically detects devices and makes them available to the console at the push of a button. Furthermore the console’s device management includes all needed security features such as access control and quarantining of unknown devices.
In addition to standard channel labeling via channel numbers, individual text labels and static pictures or icons, the mc²96 also features LiveView™ video thumbnails for even more intuitive channel identification. Simply touch a fader and the LiveView™ thumbnail changes to full-screen mode, providing a more detailed view of that channel’s video source such as a camera or a replay machine.
Parallel compression, also known as New York compression, is a dynamic range compression technique achieved by blending a dry signal with a compressed version of the same signal. Rather than bringing down the highest peaks for the purpose of dynamic range reduction, it reduces the dynamic range by bringing up the softest sounds, which results in adding audible detail. Parallel compression can be applied in every channel, group, aux and sum of the mc²96.
TECHNICAL DESIGN
The mc² 96’s comprehensive local I/O features 16 Lawo-grade Mic/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, 8 AES3 inputs and outputs, 8 GPIOs plus a local MADI port (SFP). The built-in switch provides 4 Ethernet ports, and network connectivity is furnished via two redundant ST2110 / AES67 / RAVENNA ports with ST2022-7 Class C seamless protection switching (SPS).
An optimized thermal concept results in an absolutely quiet console, fulfilling a key requirement for concert halls and studio environments.
FEATURES
REMOTE DESKTOP
Lawo’s integrated Remote Desktop function allows seamless integration into the console’s user interface of multiple external PCs running third-party solutions. With the switch of a button, the external PC and its software applications are displayed in the console’s screen while the console’s keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen provide control. The seamless integration of external recording systems, effect engines, or other user interfaces, means less equipment – and the engineer has control over the complete set-up, conveniently from a single, central position.
AUTOMATED MIXING ASSISTANTS
The mc²96’s automated mixing capabilities include an Automix function that can automatically adjust the Ievels of active and inactive microphones, while maintaining a constant, natural sounding ambient Ievel. This feature provides unique functionality especially in live productions with multiple presenters or performers. Automix can be used for any signals, from mono and stereo to multiple surround channels to minimize background noise and crosstalk with reduced sound coloration. Truncated sentences and late fade-ins are things of the past, enabling the sound engineer to focus on overall balance and sound quality. The console also features a Downmix function and Lawo’s highly acclaimed AMBIT Upmix function, which guarantees perfect conversion of stereo signals into amazingly authentic surround sound using very few parameters. Last but not least, the mc²96 is set for KICK 2.0, Lawo’s automated close-ball mixing solution for sports such as football, hockey or basketball.
FEATURES
REMOTE DESKTOP
Lawo’s integrated Remote Desktop function allows seamless integration into the console’s user interface of multiple external PCs running third-party solutions. With the switch of a button, the external PC and its software applications are displayed in the console’s screen while the console’s keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen provide control. The seamless integration of external recording systems, effect engines, or other user interfaces, means less equipment – and the engineer has control over the complete set-up, conveniently from a single, central position.
AUTOMATED MIXING ASSISTANTS
The mc²96’s automated mixing capabilities include an Automix function that can automatically adjust the Ievels of active and inactive microphones, while maintaining a constant, natural sounding ambient Ievel. This feature provides unique functionality especially in live productions with multiple presenters or performers. Automix can be used for any signals, from mono and stereo to multiple surround channels to minimize background noise and crosstalk with reduced sound coloration. Truncated sentences and late fade-ins are things of the past, enabling the sound engineer to focus on overall balance and sound quality. The console also features a Downmix function and Lawo’s highly acclaimed AMBIT Upmix function, which guarantees perfect conversion of stereo signals into amazingly authentic surround sound using very few parameters. Last but not least, the mc²96 is set for KICK 2.0, Lawo’s automated close-ball mixing solution for sports such as football, hockey or basketball.
CENTRAL CONTROL SECTION
AUDIO FOLLOWS VIDEO
Automated transitions and the perfect coupling of image and sound – all of this is provided by the mc²96’s Audio-follows-Video function. Each camera tally is assigned to an event, which can be selected in one or more channels with a total of 128 available events. The Rise Time, On Time, Hold Time, Max Time and Fall Time parameters can be used to set the processing envelope, creating amazingly smooth and natural sounding transitions from camera to camera
INTUITIVE MONITORING
The newly designed monitoring section features a dedicated touch-screen, allowing for enhanced flexibility and easy adaptation to user requirements.
IMMERSIVE BY NATURE
Reflecting today’s requirements for 3D / immersive audio productions, the mc²96 provides not only superb tools for surround sound mixing, but also a
dedicated elevation controller as standard.
MAKE IT YOUR WAY – USER PANELS
The mc²96’s clearly structured central control section delivers an optimal workflow with maximum overview. In addition, it contains two slots for individual user panels, which can be filled with a choice of three options: an additional 40 buttons, a TC automation panel, or a dedicated Reveal Fader panel – the choice is yours.
OVERBRIDGE
CUSTOMIZABLE OVERBRIDGE VIEWS
The console’s overbridge can be adapted to your requirements by adjusting the channel display accordingly – just choose and display
those parameters that are important and hide any unnecessary or distracting elements. The metering shows all fader Ievels permanently on the HD display. ln addition, multi-row metering allows for permanent metering of signals from other layers or banks.
INTEGRATED LOUDNESS METERING
Originally requested for broadcast applications, Lawo has developed built-in loudness metering into a tool that is useful also in live, theater and house of worship applications. The feature provides full loudness control in accordance with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) and features peak and loudness metering either separately or in combination. ln addition to the sums, Lawo Loudness Metering can also measure individual channels, which allows fast and convenient “visual” mixing for things like background singers or multiplemicrophone setups for brass sections, strings and choirs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Control Panel
- Frames from 24 to 200 faders* (Xtra fader version: 208)
- Remote stand-alone frames of 16 faders
- 6 banks each with 2 layers
- 100 mm fader + 6 freely adjustable rotary knobs or 100 mm + 60 mm dual faders + Input-Gain controller + channel display for each fader with sense-triggered change of module display
- TFT metering: mono, stereo or up to 7.1 including bus assignment, gain reduction for dynamics, AfV status, VCA assignment, Mix-Minus, Signal Patching, Meter selection, Automix state
- GUI page output, e.g. metering, on an external monitor
- 12 user buttons**, 4 talkback buttons and 4 user buttons per fader with 16 functions each
- Optional: two integrated user panels (Xtra fader version: one integrated user panel): TC automation panel, 40 user button panel, reveal fader panel, script tray
* with dual fader option ** Xtra Fader Version: 8 User buttons
Signal Processing
- 40-bit floating point
- 1,024 DSP channels (768 inputs and 256 summing buses)
- Up to 768 inputs with A/B input, up to 128 aux buses, up to 96 groups, up to 96 main sums, 32 Automix groups
- Rapid channel and bus switching to mono / stereo / surround
- Up to 32 surround channels, 128 VCA groups with metering, 256 GP channels
- Surround formats: DTS & Dolby ® Digital 5.1, Dolby ® Pro-logic 4.0, DTS ES & Dolby ® EX 6.1, SDDS 7.1, DTS-HD 7.1,diverse panning characteristics, surround aux bus
- 2x AFL: 1 surround 8-channel, 1 stereo
- 2x PFL stereo
- Audio-follow-Video with 128 events, control via Ember+, GPI or matrix connection, envelope up to 10s fade time
- Solo In Place
- Various meter pick-up points, adjustable as INPUT, PF, AF, DIROUT
- Loudness Metering according to EBU R128, ATSC A/85 and ARIB, momentary or short term in every channel, integrated measurement on summing channels with display of integrated LUFS value in headline
- Modules: INMIX with MS decoder, digital amp, 2-band fully parametric filter, 4-band fully parametric EQ, 2-band fully parametric side chain filter, insert, delay up to 1800 ms – switchable units: meters, milliseconds, frames
- 4 independent dynamic modules: expander; gate; compressor (incl. parallel compression); limiter; image; meter; direct out
- AMBIT Upmix, available on every 5.1 channel, fully Downmix compatible
- 32 Automix groups available for mono/stereo/surround channels with unlimited contributing channels each
- Fully-equipped surround channel with coupling of all channel parameters and hyper-panning
Audio Handling
- IP Easy – Routing with dynamic support of network resources
- Internal matrix for RX and TX audio
- Up to 512 RX & TX streams
- Stream sizes from 1 up to 128 audio channels
- Up to 96 kHz*, 24-bit
- Level adjustment for all inputs and outputs
- Downmixing from surround (up to 7.1) to stereo Integrated monitoring devices for remote locations, e.g. director’s room 1,016 internal loop-backs
- Full snapshot and production portability independent of DSP size
* future release
Waves® Plugin Integration
Interfaces
- Mic / Line, Line Out, AES3, 3G SDI, HD-SDI, MADI, GPIO, Serial, MIDI, ST2110 / AES67 / RAVENNA / DANTE ® Audio-over-IP
- Stereo and surround monitoring systems
- Headphones
Synchronisation
Redundancy
- PSUs, Network Interfaces (ST2022-7 Class C)
- Fully redundant signal path
- Redundant control system*, full data redundancy
* future release
Control unit
- Bay ISO with separate layer and bank switching, plus second PFL / AFL bus
- Global A / B input switching
- Enhanced mix-minus control with independent off-air conference
- Fader control of all level parameters
- Diverse tally and fader start modes
- Program switch
- Machine control
- Audio-follow-Video, up to 128 camera tallies, Ethernet or GPI controlled
- Camera mic remote via GPI or voltage control
Remote Maintenance
- Connection via mxGUI remote software Software updates, error diagnostics, remote assistance
External Control Systems
- Remote control of all routing, matrix monitoring units and channel parameters via Ember+ control protocol
- mxGUI: remote control via laptop/tablet PC
- External matrix controllers: Lawo VSM, Evertz Magnum, EVS Cerebrum, GV Ignite, Ross Overdrive, Vizrt Viz Mosart, Imagine Magellan, BFE KSC, Pharos, and others
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS
A__UHD Core
Ultra-high Density IP Audio Engine
A__line
WAN-capable Audio-over-IP Nodes
Power Core RP
IP Audio I/O & DSP Node for Remote Production
KICK
Automated Mixing Control for Close-Ball Mixing